Did you know that one missing tooth, not replaced, increases your risk for losing more teeth within four years? If you’ve lost one or more teeth, you’re certainly not alone. Over 170 million Americans have lost at least one tooth, and over35 million have no teeth at all. These numbers are much lower than in previous generations, but still, tooth loss is a widespread and serious issue. Dr. Abby Lee, Grant Park dentist, wants to help you avoid further tooth loss and improve your quality of life. She provides dental bridges, as well as dental implants. So, whether you need one tooth replaced or a full set of implant-retained dentures, Dr. Lee can help.

Don’t allow one missing tooth to initiate a downward spiral for your oral health. Call Dr. Lee’s Atlanta dental office today at 404-328-7177 to reserve your prosthetic dentistry consultation, and learn more about bridges and implants.

What’s a Dental Bridge?

A bridge is a dental prosthetic that replaces a single tooth or a few teeth in a row. Composed of two crowns with one or more pontics (solid replacement teeth) suspended between them, a dental bridge, or crown and bridge, has long been a standard in restorative dental care. Bridges can be made of solid porcelain or porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns, with one or more porcelain pontics in between.

To receive a bridge, you should expect two visits with Dr. Lee. After an initial consultation and treatment plan, you’ll attend an appointment in which the dentist will prepare the two teeth to be crowned, then take an impression. The impression will be a guide for a dental ceramist to follow when making your bridge. In addition to conveying the exact shape of your prepared teeth, the impression will convey the shape of opposing teeth. Dr. Lee may secure a temporary bridge for you to wear while your permanent prosthetic is being fabricated.

At your second appointment, the dentist will remove the temporary. Then, your new bridge will be permanently affixed to the prepared teeth. Both the crowns and the pontics will fit well against opposing teeth when your mouth is closed. Dr. Lee will check your bite and make any necessary adjustments to ensure an excellent fit.

With proper care and no accidents, your new bridge can last 10 to 15 years or longer. Care for it as you do your natural teeth, brushing and flossing every day and attending six-month checkups and cleanings.

What’s a Dental Implant?

An implant is supported independently in the jaw bone. Each implant consists of a biocompatible metal post (usually titanium) and a crown, secured to the top of the post.  A brief day surgery is required to secure implant posts into the jaw, then the jawbone will integrate with the implant over about three to six months. Dr. Lee may secure a temporary crown for you to wear during this healing process, which we call osseointegration.

One dental implant post can secure a single crown, as an alternative to a crown and bridge. Four or six implants can hold a denture in place, so it will not slip, slide, or fall out. Many patients find lower dentures troublesome, particularly when chewing food. Dental implant-secured dentures, therefore, are a good option for these patients.

The primary benefits of implants are threefold. Implants do not require the preparation of natural teeth for crowns, because implants are self-sustaining. In addition, because they are in the jaw, implant posts stimulate the jawbone to prevent osteoporosis, or jawbone degeneration. Perhaps most enticing, implants have great longevity.

Patients who maintain good oral health can retain solid dental implants throughout their life. The implant-retained crown or denture may need to be replaced at some point.

Your Consultation

Though implants may appear to be the best choice for tooth replacement, not all patients are suited for dental implants. Good bone density and good oral health are prerequisites. To find out whether dental bridges or implants are best for your mouth, schedule your consultation with Dr. Lee. She will thoroughly examine your oral health and x-rays, then discuss her recommendations with you. At your visit, we will encourage you to ask questions. The better your understanding of treatment options is, the more confident you can be in making decisions.

Our Atlanta, GA dental office serves patients in and around Grant Park. Call us now at 404-328-7177.